River Front Development LLC – Elk River

Wheeler Reservoir, Limestone County, Alabama

On November 30, 2009, TVA completed a jointly prepared final environmental
assessment (FEA) and issued a finding of no significant impact (FONSI)
on a proposal by River Front Development LLC at Mile 7.3, right bank of
the Elk River on Wheeler Reservoir, Limestone County, Alabama. The proposal
included dredging, bank stabilization, and construction and operation
of a community dock, boat ramp, and courtesy dock in conjunction with
River Front’s commercial dry-stack boat storage facility and back-lying
residential development along the Elk River. The actions were proposed to
provide water access and enhanced recreation opportunity for residents of
the planned adjoining community as well as access and commercial boat storage
to the public. The proposed shoreline alterations require TVA approval under
Section 26a of the TVA Act and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) approval
under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of
the Clean Water Act.

TVA and the Corps evaluated the effects of the original plans for the
community dock, boat ramp, and courtesy dock. Based on preliminary review,
the modified proposed dredge has been reduced in length, and now, roughly
7,000 cubic yards of reservoir bottom would be removed to accommodate
recreational boat access to the ramp and cove. No riprap would be placed
in the back of the embayment but would be needed on both sides of the proposed
ramp. The proposed fixed boardwalk to access the community dock facility
would be constructed immediately adjacent to and a minimum of 2 feet above
the normal summer pool shoreline, elevation 556.0 mean sea level. The FEA
and FONSI are presented below.